Economic Impact of Female Labour Force Participation in India
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59436/jsiane.v1i1.11Keywords:
Employment, Gender, Growth, Participation, ProductivityAbstract
Female labour force participation (FLFP) plays a pivotal role in shaping the economic trajectory of any country, and in India’s case, it holds transformative potential. Despite notable advancements in education, healthcare, and economic liberalization, India has witnessed a troubling decline in FLFP over the past two decades. This phenomenon is particularly paradoxical given the country’s robust GDP growth and demographic dividend. The low participation of women in the workforce has significant macroeconomic consequences, including missed opportunities for economic expansion, reduced household incomes, and underutilization of human capital. This paper investigates the trends, causes, and sectoral dynamics of FLFP in India, analyzing how increased female employment could drive inclusive growth, improve social development indicators, and contribute substantially to national productivity. Drawing on data from national surveys and international studies, it also explores the structural and cultural barriers that restrict women’s workforce engagement. The study emphasizes the urgency of implementing gender-sensitive policy interventions that address education, skills, safety, and work flexibility to harness the full economic potential of India’s female population.
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